New sexuality and aging research

PHS researchers will soon begin working on sexuality, mindfulness, and the body in "women of a certain age."

There is a paucity of research designed to explore the impact of mindfulness and body oriented approaches to the treatment of sexual concerns in older individuals. The goal of this new pilot project is to gather baseline qualitative and quantitative data on women's sexual functioning, sexual satisfaction, mindfulness skills, interest in mindfulness, and general quality of life. The project will include a literature review, focus groups, and an online- survey of women over the age of 50. Researchers Sara Mize, PhD, and Alex Iantaffi, PhD, (Epidemiology) will begin their work in August.

Mize said, "We believe that this formative data could provide the foundation for larger grants to further develop this important area of study, in particular, constructing mindfulness and body-based interventions for individuals and couples with sexual issues or for those without sexual issues who desire to enhance and deepen their sexual lives."

Through a strategic visioning process faculty identified a research priority in the area of sexuality and aging. We are grateful to the donors who also identified this as an area of interest and made this pilot project possibly through their gifts.

Pilot projects are the first step for faculty to secure University support for new clinical and educational programs or acquire larger research grants.